EBioMedicine. Some may think that because the aluminum is being applied every day and being absorbed into the skin near the breasts, that it can have estrogen-like effects, says Dr. Shah. Most cancer-causing substances that enter the body are removed from the blood by the kidneys and by the liver. A 2014 review concluded there was no clear evidence showing that the use of aluminum-containing underarm antiperspirants or cosmetics increases the risk of breast cancer (5). Influence of lifestyle factors on breast cancer risk. When an antiperspirant keeps an individual from perspiring, its thought that the chemical toxins could build up and lead to the development of cancer in the breast. Systematic review of potential health risks posed by pharmaceutical, occupational and consumer exposures to metallic and nanoscale aluminum, aluminum oxides, aluminum hydroxide and its soluble salts. Retinyl palmitate contains palmitic acid and retinol (Vitamin A), which one would assume is a good thing. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. An older 2002 case-control study indicates that there is no evidence to support the above theory. The Endocrine Society issued a study that details the many dangerous effects these chemicals can have on your body, including on both "male and female reproduction, breast development [in both males and females], prostate cancer, neuroendocrinology, thyroid, metabolism and obesity, and cardiovascular endocrinology." ( 20 ). You see, your skin easily absorbs aluminum ions. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. 2017 Sep 29;114(39):653-659. doi: 10.3238/arztebl.2017.0653. Benzene is not an intentionally added ingredient in body spray products; however, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), as well as product manufacturers, are aware that it may be present in food and drug products at very low levels, PCPC wrote. Additionally, studies found no increase in skin side effects with the use of deodorants during breast radiation. We will continue to investigate and work to ensure these types of impurities do not exceed acceptable limits.. But two ingredients are often brought up as cause for concern: aluminum and parabens. 2023 American Cancer Society, Inc. All rights reserved. Underarm antiperspirants/deodorants and breast cancer. Available Every Minute of Every Day. While the study showed parabens were present, it did not show they caused the tumor development. McGrath KG. Axe Body Spray is marketed to Boys. Is it Toxic? | elephant journal Is it safe to use old body spray? Part of the reason this theory emerged is because we used to tell patients that they couldnt use aluminum-containing antiperspirant during radiation, because there were concerns that the aluminum would increase the skin irritation that can result from radiation cancer treatment, Dr. Shah adds. Should I be concerned about aluminum in antiperspirants? No action should be taken solely on the contents of this website. The concerns about cancer and antiperspirants stem from the ingredients used to make these products. COCAMIDOPROPYL BETAINE is a very toxic ingredient which has been linked to cancer in animal tests.The biggest danger of using a product with cocamidopropyl betaine is its potential contamination with nitrosamines. The authors noted that regular maximum use of deodorant or antiperspirant combined with shaving may be associated with a younger age of breast cancer diagnosis. Underarm antiperspirants/deodorants and breast cancer. Aside from switching up scents or brands every once in a while, why should we be paying more attention to the toiletry that merely keeps us from sweating through our clothes? They also list this chemical as a known human reproductive toxicant.. Toxins from the kidneys are excreted in the urine, and toxins from the liver are excreted in bowel movements. However, many people are concerned that some of their ingredients, specifically aluminum and parabens, could be linked to cancer, specifically breast cancer. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), https://www.fda.gov/consumers/womens-health-topics/4-mammography-myths, https://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancer-causes/antiperspirants-and-breast-cancer-risk.html, https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/myths/antiperspirants-fact-sheet, https://www.cdc.gov/biomonitoring/Parabens_BiomonitoringSummary.html, https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast/index.htm, https://journals.lww.com/ebp/Citation/2019/06000/Does_the_use_of_antiperspirants_increase_the_risk.23.aspx, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16045991/, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14745841/, https://www.breastcancer.org/risk/factors/cosmetics, https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/109158180802704s01, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0190962221019447, https://academic.oup.com/jnci/article/94/20/1578/1802711, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8132781/, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4997813/, New clues to slow aging? These types of studies can often be hard to interpret because they typically rely on a persons memory of antiperspirant use many years earlier, and people with cancer tend to be more likely to recall exposures they think might be linked to their cancer. It is possible for shaving to cause small cuts in the underarms. There have been a number of studies done to specifically look at whether deodorants and antiperspirants increase breast cancer risk and Alzheimer's disease, but unfortunately the findings are mixed. These preservatives, found in many personal care products, can mimic estrogen and . A lack of sweating would not cause our bodies to hang on to dangerous toxins. Until recently, we never really questioned what was in our personal care products. The specks can resemble small calcium deposits, which are a sign of cancer. The bile then mixes with and is eliminated with feces. The good news is they are getting sophisticated, smell good, and actually work (provided you do the armpit detox to get the gunk out of your pits first!) However, recent research has not found evidence that the products are unsafe. To date, CNN was not able to verify that any of these products except Old Spice and Secret have been recalled following Valisures early November request to that effect to the FDA. Influence of lifestyle factors on breast cancer risk. But fear not, my friends; the David Wolfe team is on your side! A study published by the International Journal of Andrology found that feminization of boys can now be seen through their play habits. Contact us at 1-800-227-2345. Theyre often used in skin and beauty products. Your email address will not be published. There is no established evidence of this. Its helpful to remember that the American Cancer Society stated that there is no such risks. It clings to the underarm to provide 24-hour wetness protection. New how axe heads are made how axe throwing works how axe oil is made Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. McGrath KG. Journal of the National Cancer Institute 2002; 94(20):15781580. J Inorg Biochem. Aluminum is the major ingredient found in deodorants and antiperspirants that allows the products to do their job. What is the link between aluminum and cancer? Advertisement They claim that the chemicals can enter underarm lymph nodes, which are unable to excrete them through sweating. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. Journal of Inorganic Biochemistry 2013; 128:257-261. That manufacturing partner identified an issue with their propellant supply and is implementing additional measures to address the issue identified in the investigation. appreciated. Nitrosamines are created when nitrosating agents are combined with amines. The National Cancer Institute notes that only a few studies have investigated theories that the ingredients in body odor-fighting cosmetics may increase the risk of breast cancer. CNN reached out to all of these companies for response. Biomonitoring Summary: Parabens. We link primary sources including studies, scientific references, and statistics within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. (2020). Antiperspirants and breast cancer risk. A 2003 retrospective cohort study examining the frequency of underarm shaving and antiperspirant/deodorant use among 437 breast cancer survivors (2) reported younger age at breast cancer diagnosis for women who used antiperspirants/deodorants frequently or who started using them together with shaving at an earlier age. July 5, 2016 5:50 PM EDT. Here, learn what to expect during a mammogram and how to reduce any, Armpit lumps are usually harmless and caused by a swollen lymph node or gland. And now, Procter & Gamble is voluntarily recalling 18 antiperspirant and deodorant sprays from its Secret and Old Spice brands some of which were listed in the Valisure report after internal testing also detected benzene, according to a November 23 press release . All Rights Reserved. When parabens penetrate the skin, they can weakly mimic estrogen in the body, which could potentially alter the bodys hormonal balance and turn on the growth of hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. You may be feeling nervous about using an antiperspirant after hearing about possible cancer risks associated with the use of these products. Toluene has proven to have a harmful effect on the reproductive system while parabens have been linked to cancer. The concern over the link between breast cancer and antiperspirants gained some traction after a 2003 study observed that women who were diagnosed with breast cancer at a younger age were using antiperspirant and shaving their underarms more often than women diagnosed at an older age. All material provided within this website is for informational and educational purposes only, and is not to be construed as medical advice or instruction. There have been claims that regular deodorants and antiperspirants can disrupt or kill off the "good" bacteria living in your armpits, leading to skin irritation, redness, bumps and overall . However, Valisure also found higher levels of benzene in non-aerosol body odor products, including powders and sticks, Light said. according to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR). In overall testing, levels of benzene varied greatly from batch to batch, even within a single brand, Valisure noted, while initial analysis of at least one sample of 49 lots of body sprays from 19 different brands showed no benzene at all. The list of chemicals in Axe products alone is overwhelming (22). Parabens are chemicals that are used as preservatives in food and products. Neither the company nor the author's of any information provided accept responsibility for the actions or consequential results of any action taken by any reader. Because studies of antiperspirants and deodorants and breast cancer have provided conflicting results, additional research would be needed to determine whether a relationship exists (9). But in some ways, smearing them under your arms in the form of deodorant or antiperspirant may be worse . Consumer products containing parabens are required to list them as ingredients. When our bodies ingest or absorb a carcinogen or cancer-causing agent, they filter those toxins through the kidneys and liver. Aluminum helps to prevent sweating by blocking the sweat glands to keep it from reaching the skins surface. It can create an itchy rash and may be caused by deodorant ingredients, such as fragrance and aluminum. However, if you have compromised kidney health, ask your healthcare provider if you should avoid aluminum-containing products. Some research has focused on parabens, which are preservatives used in some deodorants and antiperspirants that have been shown to mimic the activity of estrogen in the bodys cells (6). However, These chemicals are also extremely toxic. Once the recall is complete, we are preparing to ship new product that meets our quality standards to re-stock shelves.. They may also create a more acidic environment where applied, which may prevent the bacteria from releasing odors. What do you think of the real Axe effect? The underarm (axillary) nodes filter most of the liquid lymph flowing out of the breast before it goes back into the body's bloodstream. Livestrong.com Our team is made up of doctors andoncology certified nurses with deep knowledge of cancer care as well as journalists, editors, and translators with extensive experience in medical writing. Our lymph nodes are responsible for clearing out bacteria and viruses from the body, but they dont use our sweat glands to do that. International Journal of Toxicology 2008; 27 Suppl 4:1-82. doi: 10.1080/10915810802548359. Not wearing deodorant prevents inaccurate mammogram results. Journal of Inorganic Biochemistry 2005; 99(9):19121919. Required fields are marked *. Whether you want to learn about treatment options, get advice on coping with side effects, or have questions about health insurance, were here to help. Can deodorant actually cause breast cancer, though? The company tested the product with the highest levels of benzene (Old Spice Pure Sport with 17.7 ppm) in a closed bathroom, spraying once under each arm as a consumer would. Deodorant and Breast Cancer: Is There a Link? - Healthline can. Exposure can be dangerous, by increasing the risk of developing leukemia and other blood disorders, the National Cancer Institute said. They are designed to inhibit the production of bacteria. Tests by Valisure, however, found concerning levels of benzene in some batches of P&G products. And despite the countless studies showing the dangers of BHT, (23, 24) Axe products also contain this dangerous chemical. Impurities may be present in the manufacturing environment due to the use of certain chemicals, equipment or containers. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), these assertions are largely untrue, and there are no strong epidemiological studies or scientific evidence to support them. Mousavi M, Vaghar MI. Cancer causes: Popular myths about the causes of cancer What is known about the ingredients in antiperspirants and deodorants? Bull Cancer. Over time, the buildup of these ions can lead to nerve damage, kidney damage, Alzheimer's and breast cancer. Flarend R, Bin T, Elmore D, Hem SL. The main function of sweat glands is to help cool the body, not to get rid of toxins. 2. Although there are no clear health risks from parabens in food, drugs, cosmetics, and skin care products, people concerned about being exposed to parabens might choose to avoid products containing them. If your kidneys are not able to eliminate the aluminum because of decreased function, these products may not be safe for you. Estrogen is a female hormone known to cause breast cells (both normal and cancer cells) to grow. While parabens have been found in samples of breast tumors, the ACS says these results should not be a cause for concern because of the following: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advises people to avoid wearing deodorants, powders, lotions, or perfume under the arm or on the breast on the day of a mammogram. Darbre PD, Aljarrah A, Miller WR, et al. The findings do not prove that aluminum salts cause cancer, and . You see, your skin easily absorbs aluminum ions. The Healthy Chef's Cookbook ( The Art of Food ). Companies and individuals have a legal responsibility to ensure their products and ingredients are safe for the intended use.. According to EWG studies, DMDM hydantoin is an antimicrobial formaldehyde releaser preservative. Most of us are exposed to parabens every day, and studies have found that 99% of people in the United States have parabens present in their urine. Best Non-Toxic Deodorants Sans Nasty Chemicals 2021 - MAMAVATION 6:44 PM EST, Wed December 1, 2021, Specific Products included in Voluntary P&G Aerosol Spray Antiperspirant Recall (Photo: Business Wire). We continually gain new knowledge which allows us to identify and quickly address previously unknown risks. Antiperspirants/deodorants and breast cancer. The authors claimed that by inhibiting lymphatic drainage, bras trapped toxins in the breast tissue, which caused cancer. J Appl Toxicol. Can an Armpit Lump Be a Symptom of Breast Cancer? Accessed at https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/myths/antiperspirants-fact-sheet on October 10, 2022. Despite the aggressive marketing of natural products for women only, men could certainly benefit form using these products. Most deodorants and antiperspirants also contain chemical toxins that may put a consumer on edge, like: We understand wanting to expose your body to as few chemical and non-natural elements as possible. Parabens are a component of many products, and the study did not find the specific source of the parabens present in the breast tumors. A more recent article from 2019 concluded that the use of antiperspirants does not appear to increase the risk for breast cancer and may even decrease the risk. Diethyl phthalate is also used in cosmetics, insecticides, and aspirin. (14). This agency also states that Diethyl phthalate can be released fairly easily from these products, as it is not part of the chain of chemicals (polymers) that makes up the plastic. In general, fragrances are linked to everything from allergies, dermatitis, and respiratory issues to cancer and potential negative effects on your reproductive system. Our syndication services page shows you how. All Rights Reserved. SafeCosmetics.org Possibly, experts say. They simply mask formaldehyde by using formaldehyde releasers like DMDM hydantoin and Imidazolindinyl Urea, although these ingredients work just like formaldehyde to congeal and preserve their products. By Carrie Madormo, RN, MPH Long-term exposure to estrogen can increase your risk of cancer, but deodorant alone isn't harmful. Final amended report on the safety assessment of Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben, Isopropylparaben, Butylparaben, Isobutylparaben, and Benzylparaben as used in cosmetic products. doi: 1186/bcr2424. Studies have shown that they cause over 40 types of cancer in animals and humans alike. the dangers of specific cosmetic products, Most women actually hate the smell of Axe, These are chemicals that mimic human hormone function, it interacts with other chemicals in cosmetics and food to produce nitrosamines, Thats where PPG-14 bustyl ether comes in, if youve read some of our other cosmetic articles, a class of chemicals linked to reproductive and developmental toxicity, the chemical causes organ damage, cancer and reproductive toxicity. Crystal deodorant may cause rashes, itchiness, or irritation, especially if your skin is broken or you've recently shaved or waxed. 2004;24:5-13. Namer M, Luporsi E, Gligorov J, Lokiec F, Spielmann M. The use of deodorants/antiperspirants does not constitute a risk factor for breast cancer [article in French]. Can diet help improve depression symptoms? Zodiac Signs Updated For The 1st Time in 2000 Years. These specks can look like microcalcifications, which are one of the things doctors look for as a possible sign of breast cancer. Could your antiperspirant deodorant cause breast cancer? Aluminum-based compounds are used as the active ingredient in antiperspirants. Benzene is created by natural and man-made processes. Even more rancid than it already does. These cookies do not store any personal information. Nitrosamines are created when nitrosating agents are combined with amines. Additional studies have found that there is no difference in the amount of aluminum in cancerous breast tissue and healthy breast tissue. We naively assumed they were safeafter all, the FDA would never allow consumers to unknowingly use dangerous products or so we thought. Assess and address these 7 factors. No scientific evidence has been discovered that links the use of these deodorants and antiperspirants to the development of breast cancer. Aluminum zirconium tetrachlorohydrex gly is a preparation used as anantiperspirantin most deodorants. One study, published in 2002, did not show any increase in risk for breast cancer among women who reported using an underarm antiperspirant or deodorant (7). Now if I wanna smell strong, I apply cologone or AXE on my shirt, as long as it doesn't stain it, and I use a natural deodorant for my pits Antiperspirant and deodorant body sprays have been found to contain elevated levels of the carcinogen benzene and should be recalled, an independent testing lab said in a petition filed with the. Mirick DK, Davis S, Thomas DB. This is the active antiperspirant ingredient in Axe. There's no link between aluminum and cancer or most other health conditions, but those with severe kidney ailments shouldn't use. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Using deodorant or antiperspirant does not cause breast cancer. Some are really bad for you. There are no strong epidemiologic studies (studies in people) that link breast cancer risk and antiperspirant use, and very little scientific evidence to support this claim. but the results of these studies need to be interpreted with caution because of their small size, and because the way they were designed limits the conclusions that can be drawn from them. These chemical mixes are listed as an 8 on the health risk scale according to EWG studies, (15) which also show 116 different Axe products contain these chemicals (16). These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. These compounds form a temporary plug within the sweat duct that stops the flow of sweat to the skin's surface. Most deodorants and antiperspirants also contain chemical toxins that may put a consumer on edge, like: Parabens. The vast majority of tested sunscreens, however, were free of benzene, and experts stress the importance of sunscreen use to protect skin from the aging and cancerous effects of the sun. The amount . EWG studies show that 14 Axe products, typically all of their antiperspirants and deodorants, contain aluminum zirconium tetrachlorohydrex gly (13). And whats worse, many of these chemicals have never been safety tested according to the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) (3). Underarm hair and antiperspirant absorption have not been linked to male breast cancer risk. We can also help you find other free or low-cost resources available. 2013 Nov;128:257-61. doi: 10.1016/j.jinorgbio.2013.07.005. I think there are other things we should probably be more concerned about when it comes to breast cancer risk. There have been many studies which demonstrate that BHT accumulates over time in the body, having a toxic impact on the lungs, liver and kidneys amongst other negative effects. This chemical is linked to biochemical or cellular level changes, according to the EWG, which categorizes it as a 9 on the health hazard scale. Never heard of spraying it in your armpits. Antiperspirants use ingredients, usually aluminum-based, to block sweat glands, reducing the amount of perspiration released. 5 Early Signs of Liver Damage You MUST Look Out For! That's not all it does, though. However, according to the ACS, this could be because younger women, in general, are more likely than older women to shave their underarms and use antiperspirants. The American Cancer Society offers programs and services to help you during and after cancer treatment. The use of antiperspirants had no association with the risk of breast cancer, while family history and oral contraceptives use were found to be associated, a separate 2006 study concluded. J Inorg Biochem. A preliminary study of the dermal absorption of aluminium from antiperspirants using aluminium-26. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. One study found that 0.012% of the aluminum in antiperspirants was absorbed. Antiperspirants and Breast Cancer: Is There a Link? You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Still, most case-control studies looking at antiperspirant use and breast cancer risk have not found a link between them. Cancer-Causing Benzene Detected in Over 40+ Deodorants The FDA warmed consumers not to use certain hand sanitizers early in the pandemic due to high levels of the solvent, and this summer Johnson & Johnson (J&J) voluntarily pulled four brands of Neutrogena sunscreen and one of Aveeno after Valisures lab found alarming levels of benzene and filed a petition with the FDA. Substances removed by the kidneys are released into urine, while those taken by the liver are released into bile. This chemical is found in 53 Axe products ranging from shampoos and conditioners to body washes and exfoliates (6). Antiperspirants are some of the most popular personal care items. Endocrine disruptorsare exogenous, synthetic chemicals that have hormone-like effects on both humans and wild-life and interfere with the endocrine system by either mimicking or blocking our natural hormones and disrupting their respective body functions. Because underarm antiperspirants or deodorants are applied near the breast and contain potentially harmful ingredients, several scientists and others have suggested a possible connection between their use and breast cancer (1, 2). Cocamidopropyl betaine is the ingredient that makes certain Axe products foamy. These conclusions were based on interviews with 813 women with breast cancer and 793 women with no history of breast cancer. Will These Hazards of Using Deodorant Really Cause Health Problems? 2004;10:216. They found no difference in risk between those who shaved with a nonelectric razor and those who shaved with an electric razor. Some of the research into deodorants and antiperspirants and cancer have focused on synthetic substances called parabens, a family of chemicals commonly used as preservatives in some cosmetics. Aluminum zirconium tetrachlorohydrex gly is the active ingredient in Axe deodorant products. Once inside, even in low doses, the chemical causes organ damage, cancer and reproductive toxicity. 2016. The Aluminum Zirconium Tetrachlorohydrex Glycine Complex in their deodorant has neurotoxic effects in humans. According to critics, however, the bra-caused breast cancer theory is not . Final amended report on the safety assessment of Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben, Isopropylparaben, Butylparaben, Isobutylparaben, and Benzylparaben as used in cosmetic products. Researchers at the National Cancer Institute, the American Cancer Society and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) all emphasize a lack of any conclusive evidence supporting the rumored link. Critical Reviews in Toxicology 2014; 44 Suppl 4:1-80. Mirick DK, Davis S, Thomas, DB. Int J Toxicol. In response to Valisures petition on sunscreens, the FDA told CNN that it evaluates and assesses the information provided in citizen petitions of this type and, generally, initiates an independent testing and verification process.. Using deodorants, antiperspirants and body sprays does not cause cancer. No matter what product you use under your arms, be sure to discuss any type of breakout, rash or skin irritation with your doctor. The reality is, however, that a shockingly large number of all of the beauty and personal care products we use every day are downright dangerous and the FDA has little control over the industry. Because of this, scientists have researched and studied the potential connection between deodorants and antiperspirants to breast cancer. The number of breast cancers in the upper outer part of the breast is in proportion to the amount of breast tissue in that area. National Cancer Institute Fact Sheets. Most women actually hate the smell of Axe. Benzene in your eyes may cause general irritation and damage to your cornea., In its recall, P&G said it has had no reports of adverse reactions, adding that daily exposure to benzene in the recalled products at the levels detected in our testing would not be expected to cause adverse health consequences.. PPG stands for popypropylene glycol, which is made from a completely artificial petroleum product; methyl oxirane. 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